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Iron Deficiency and Crohn's disease and Ulcerous colitis.
Understanding iron deficiency in Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis through my journey, from iron supplements to a healthier lifestyle
Iron Deficiency and Its Sneaky Interplay with IBD, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis
As someone living with IBD, Crohn's disease, and Ulcerative colitis, it's common to encounter iron deficiency, which I did. There's a fundamental need to discover why it happens. In my situation, I think gut leakage was the prime suspect.
A Quiet Distress Signal
A couple of years after my diagnosis, my stomach was alright. It wasn't causing me pain, but persistent fatigue became my unwelcome companion. My performance on the treadmill dropped significantly, and my energy levels felt like they had hit a new low. Routine blood work revealed iron deficiency. So, I discovered it's a common companion for Crohn's patients, somewhat like an unwanted guest who refuses to leave.
A Journey From Iron Pills To Intravenous Infusions
Iron pills aren't the best buddies with our stomachs, so I gave them a pass. The alternative was an iron infusion administered intravenously. Six iron infusions were done over a year. We kept an eye on my blood levels every month. Procedures like endoscopy and colonoscopy were also done, attempting to decipher the issue. But they didn't show any inflammation or wounds—a perfect mystery.
Crohn's, fatigue and iron levels
Despite the absence of visible signs, my doctors convinced me I had been losing blood. The deficient iron levels and depleted iron stores were the telltale signs. Following this revelation, I decided to take the reins of my diet and lifestyle into my hands. About a year and a half later, my iron levels bounced back, and the stores filled up. I'm still not certain about the cause. The most plausible explanation is gut leakage. It must have been causing chronic blood loss in my intestines, often resulting from intestinal inflammation.
Turning A New Leaf With A Stricter Diet
Post this incident; I adopted an even stricter diet. The result was remarkable. My sleep improved, my workout sessions got intense, and my health took a turn for the better. My levels have been steady for the past few years. It feels like I've got my rhythm back.
Becoming My Body's Best Friend
My journey has been as a teacher. It taught me to tune in to my body's whispers. Each symptom and change was a vital clue, guiding me to a healthier state. It has been about becoming my best friend, listening and understanding what my body needs.
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